Champion CFL Series Inline Air Filter – Grade C General Purpose Particulate (20–780 SCFM)

The Champion CFL Series Grade C is a general-purpose particulate inline filter available in ten flow rates from 20 to 780 SCFM, engineered to remove solid contaminants from compressed air streams before they reach your dryer, downstream coalescing filters, or point-of-use tools. Built for working pressures up to 300 PSIG, the Grade C is the workhorse pre-filter in the Champion CFL family and a critical first line of defense in any compressed-air treatment train.

Select your flow rate and connection size from the dropdown above.

Why Compressed Air Filtration Matters

Atmospheric air pulled into a compressor carries dust, pollen, rust scale, pipe debris, and microscopic abrasive particles. The compression process concentrates those contaminants by a factor of 7× to 10×. Left unfiltered, that grit erodes valves, scores cylinder walls in pneumatic actuators, blinds dryer heat exchangers, contaminates paint finishes, and shortens the service life of every downstream coalescing element. Installing a Grade C particulate filter as your first stage of treatment protects every piece of capital equipment that follows.

ISO 8573-1:2010 Air Quality Performance

• Solid Particles: ISO 8573-1 Class 2 — No particle larger than 1 micron.
• Remaining Oil Content: ISO 8573-1 Class 4 — Bulk oil and oil aerosol removal sufficient for general industrial use.

This makes the Grade C an ideal pre-filter ahead of a refrigerated air dryer, a desiccant tower, or a Grade E high-efficiency coalescing filter for applications requiring instrument-quality air.

Model Selection Chart

Key Features at a Glance

• Grade C General Purpose Element — Removes particulates down to 1 micron at high efficiency.
• 20 to 780 SCFM Rated Flow — Ten sizes covering shop compressors through large industrial plant air.
• 300 PSIG Maximum Working Pressure — High-pressure rating for demanding industrial systems.
• 150°F Maximum Inlet Temperature — Withstands hot air directly off a reciprocating compressor when paired with proper cooling.
• Heavy-Duty Cast Aluminum Housing — Corrosion-resistant, hydrostatically tested at the factory.
• Differential Pressure Indicator — Tells you exactly when the element needs replacement.
• Automatic Float Drain — Continuously removes collected liquid without operator intervention.
• Compact Inline Form Factor — Bolts directly into existing plant air piping.
• Field-Replaceable Element — Annual filter change keeps the housing in service for decades.
• Champion Pneumatic Quality — Backed by over a century of compressed-air engineering.

Shared Technical Specifications

Ideal Applications

The Grade C is the right particulate filter for shops running compressors from 5 HP through large industrial plant air systems, point-of-use polishing on larger systems, plasma-cutter feed lines, paint-prep stations, laboratory air, dry sandblasting cabinets, automotive service bays, and any general industrial application where you need ISO Class 2 solids before the air hits a tool or instrument. Field engineers often install one ahead of a Champion CRH Series refrigerated dryer to protect the dryer heat exchanger from rust scale and pipe debris.

Build Your Filtration Train

For a complete compressed-air treatment system, install filters in series in the following order: (1) CFL Grade C particulate filter at the compressor discharge to remove bulk solids; (2) refrigerated or desiccant dryer to remove moisture; (3) CFL Grade E coalescing filter downstream of the dryer to deliver instrument-quality air.

Element Replacement and Service

Replace the element annually or whenever the differential-pressure indicator shows a 5 PSID rise across the filter, whichever comes first. Operating with a clogged element wastes compressed-air energy (roughly 1% of compressor horsepower per PSID of pressure drop) and risks element rupture. Champion replacement elements are stocked at Air Compressor Store with same-day shipping.

Why Buy from Air Compressor Store

Air Compressor Store is an authorized Champion Pneumatic distributor. Every CFL Series filter ships with the full factory warranty, lifetime application support, and access to our certified compressed-air engineers for sizing and system design.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Grade C and Grade E?

Grade C removes solid particulates (rust, dust, pipe scale) and bulk liquid water. Grade E is a high-efficiency coalescing filter that removes oil aerosols, submicron particles, and oil vapor. In a properly designed system, you install Grade C upstream and Grade E downstream.

Does the Grade C remove oil?

It removes bulk oil and oil aerosols to ISO 8573-1 Class 4, which is fine for general industrial work. For paint, food contact, or instrument air, follow it with a CFL Grade E coalescing filter.

How do I choose the right size?

Size the filter to the actual SCFM flowing through that point in the system, not to compressor horsepower. When in doubt, size up — an oversized filter runs at lower pressure drop and lasts longer. Call our engineers if you need help.

How often do I change the element?

Replace annually or when differential pressure climbs 5 PSID above clean, whichever comes first.